Islamic Art & Culture
Islamic art encompasses the arts produced from the
7th century onwards by people (not necessarily
Muslim) who lived
within the territory that was inhabited by culturally
Islamic populations.[2]
It includes fields as varied as
architecture,
calligraphy,
painting, and
ceramics,
among others. Typically, though not entirely, Islamic art has focused on
the depiction of patterns and Arabic calligraphy, rather than on
figures, because it is feared by many Muslims that the depiction of the
human form is idolatry
and thereby a sin against
Allah, forbidden in the
Qur'an.
Islamic art is not an art pertaining to religion only. The term "Islamic" refers not only to the religion, but to the rich and varied Islamic culture as well. Islamic art frequently adopts secular elements and elements that are frowned upon, if not forbidden, by some Islamic theologians.[3] According to the Encarta "Islamic art is developed from many sources: Roman, Early Christian, and Byzantine styles were taken over in early Islamic architecture; the influence of Sassanian art—the architecture and decorative art of pre-Islamic Persia was of paramount significance; Central Asian styles were brought in with various nomadic incursions; and Chinese influences had an important effect on Islamic painting, pottery, and textiles."[4] There are repeating elements in Islamic art, such as the use of geometrical floral or vegetal designs in a repetition known as the arabesque. The arabesque in Islamic art is often used to symbolize the transcendent, indivisible and infinite nature of Allah.[5] Most Sunni and Shia Muslims believe that visual depictions of any living beings generally should be prohibited. Nonetheless, human portrayals can be found in all eras of Islamic art. Human representation for the purpose of worship is considered idolatry and is duly forbidden in Islamic law, known as Sharia law. There are also many depictions of Muhammad, Islam's chief prophet, in historical Islamic art.[6][7]
Architecture
Main article: Islamic Architecture Perhaps the most important expression of Islamic art is architecture, particularly that of the mosque (four-iwan and hypostyle).[8] Through the edifices, the effect of varying cultures within Islamic civilization can be illustrated. The North African and Spanish Islamic architecture, for example, has Roman-Byzantine elements, as seen in the Alhambra palace at Granada, or in the Great Mosque of Cordoba. The role of domes in Islamic architecture has been considerable. Domes have been used in Islamic architecture for centuries. The earliest surviving dome is part of the Dome of the Rock mosque, built in 691 CE. Another prominent dome was added to the Taj Mahal, constructed in the 17th century with the Taj Mahal. And as late as the 19th century, Islamic domes were incorporated into Western architecture.[9][10]
Calligraphy
Main article: Arabic calligraphy
Calligraphic design is omnipresent in Islamic art, and is usually expressed in a mix of Qur'anic verses and historical proclamations. Two of the main scripts involved are the symbolic kufic and naskh scripts, which can be found adorning and enhancing the visual appeal of the walls and domes of buildings, the sides of minbars, and so on.[5] Illuminated scripts, coinage, and other "minor art" pieces such as ewers and incense holders are also often decorated with calligraphy.
Poems/Songs
An'nasheed is plural for poems or songs which are permissible in Islam by the majority of the ulama, as they are sung without the use of musical instruments which some Muslims believe are not Islamic. According to many scholars, there are many types of music forbidden in Islam. This opinion is however not well based as the tradition used to support the idea of percussion instruments refers to an incident on Eid day, where the Prophet of Islam (SAW) encouraged his daughters to use the drums and continue to sing, even though some of his companions, most notably Omar (RA), suggested that this was a questionable activity. Thus it is clear that musical rhythms, whether accompanied by instruments or not, are allowed. Even those who would argue against instruments should note that, during battle, music and the use of voices in a martial tone were often used - as in the case of the opening of Mecca (fatgatul Makkah). Although some hardliners may suggest that only percussion instruments are permissible, there is no direct evidence to support this contention. Only in Arabic? Not necessarily, this opinion is based on the fact that all the songs used by the Prophet (SAW) and his companions were in Arabic. All languages are permissible, but if you listen or sing them in Arabic you will be rewarded for folowing the tradition of the Prophet (SAW). Ironically, if you sing Arabic nasheed for audience who don't understand Arabic, your purpose will be lost in translations and there is a big chance that they won't even appreciate your nasheed. In regards to musical instrument, it is interesting to know that the guitar that we know today was evolved from khitarah (guitarra) used by the Moors of Spain Andalucia during their golden age of civilization. A historical account wrote that in 822 Sultan Abdurrahman II of Cordoba enjoyed a lion-cub gut guitar rendition by Ziryab - a musician from Baghdad famous court of Sultan Harun al-Rashid. Furthermore the Spanish Arabs established Madrasas, or types of universities in Toledo, Cordoba, Ubeda, and Seville, in whose classrooms music was studied - continuing the Spanish tradition of Saint Isidore.
Islamic art is not an art pertaining to religion only. The term "Islamic" refers not only to the religion, but to the rich and varied Islamic culture as well. Islamic art frequently adopts secular elements and elements that are frowned upon, if not forbidden, by some Islamic theologians.[3] According to the Encarta "Islamic art is developed from many sources: Roman, Early Christian, and Byzantine styles were taken over in early Islamic architecture; the influence of Sassanian art—the architecture and decorative art of pre-Islamic Persia was of paramount significance; Central Asian styles were brought in with various nomadic incursions; and Chinese influences had an important effect on Islamic painting, pottery, and textiles."[4] There are repeating elements in Islamic art, such as the use of geometrical floral or vegetal designs in a repetition known as the arabesque. The arabesque in Islamic art is often used to symbolize the transcendent, indivisible and infinite nature of Allah.[5] Most Sunni and Shia Muslims believe that visual depictions of any living beings generally should be prohibited. Nonetheless, human portrayals can be found in all eras of Islamic art. Human representation for the purpose of worship is considered idolatry and is duly forbidden in Islamic law, known as Sharia law. There are also many depictions of Muhammad, Islam's chief prophet, in historical Islamic art.[6][7]
Architecture
Main article: Islamic Architecture Perhaps the most important expression of Islamic art is architecture, particularly that of the mosque (four-iwan and hypostyle).[8] Through the edifices, the effect of varying cultures within Islamic civilization can be illustrated. The North African and Spanish Islamic architecture, for example, has Roman-Byzantine elements, as seen in the Alhambra palace at Granada, or in the Great Mosque of Cordoba. The role of domes in Islamic architecture has been considerable. Domes have been used in Islamic architecture for centuries. The earliest surviving dome is part of the Dome of the Rock mosque, built in 691 CE. Another prominent dome was added to the Taj Mahal, constructed in the 17th century with the Taj Mahal. And as late as the 19th century, Islamic domes were incorporated into Western architecture.[9][10]
Calligraphy
Main article: Arabic calligraphy
Calligraphic design is omnipresent in Islamic art, and is usually expressed in a mix of Qur'anic verses and historical proclamations. Two of the main scripts involved are the symbolic kufic and naskh scripts, which can be found adorning and enhancing the visual appeal of the walls and domes of buildings, the sides of minbars, and so on.[5] Illuminated scripts, coinage, and other "minor art" pieces such as ewers and incense holders are also often decorated with calligraphy.
Poems/Songs
An'nasheed is plural for poems or songs which are permissible in Islam by the majority of the ulama, as they are sung without the use of musical instruments which some Muslims believe are not Islamic. According to many scholars, there are many types of music forbidden in Islam. This opinion is however not well based as the tradition used to support the idea of percussion instruments refers to an incident on Eid day, where the Prophet of Islam (SAW) encouraged his daughters to use the drums and continue to sing, even though some of his companions, most notably Omar (RA), suggested that this was a questionable activity. Thus it is clear that musical rhythms, whether accompanied by instruments or not, are allowed. Even those who would argue against instruments should note that, during battle, music and the use of voices in a martial tone were often used - as in the case of the opening of Mecca (fatgatul Makkah). Although some hardliners may suggest that only percussion instruments are permissible, there is no direct evidence to support this contention. Only in Arabic? Not necessarily, this opinion is based on the fact that all the songs used by the Prophet (SAW) and his companions were in Arabic. All languages are permissible, but if you listen or sing them in Arabic you will be rewarded for folowing the tradition of the Prophet (SAW). Ironically, if you sing Arabic nasheed for audience who don't understand Arabic, your purpose will be lost in translations and there is a big chance that they won't even appreciate your nasheed. In regards to musical instrument, it is interesting to know that the guitar that we know today was evolved from khitarah (guitarra) used by the Moors of Spain Andalucia during their golden age of civilization. A historical account wrote that in 822 Sultan Abdurrahman II of Cordoba enjoyed a lion-cub gut guitar rendition by Ziryab - a musician from Baghdad famous court of Sultan Harun al-Rashid. Furthermore the Spanish Arabs established Madrasas, or types of universities in Toledo, Cordoba, Ubeda, and Seville, in whose classrooms music was studied - continuing the Spanish tradition of Saint Isidore.